Australian great Steve Waugh on Tuesday said he was disappointed that Virat Kohli will miss three Tests against Australia to be at the birth of his first child after being granted paternity leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While Waugh was disappointed by Kohli missing three of the four Tests against Australia, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said people need to respect Kohli’s decision and appreciate that there is life beyond cricket.

The Indian skipper and his Bollywood superstar wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January with Kohli returning back to Indian from Australia after the first Test in Adelaide, which commences on December 17.

Kohli’s absence has come as a huge blow to broadcasters and cricket authorities are already feeling the effects in a pandemic affected year.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-tour-of-australia-virat-kohli-granted-paternity-leave-rohit-joins-test-squad-341912" hreflang="en">India's tour of Australia: Virat Kohli granted paternity leave, Rohit joins Test squad</a>

"I'm a little bit disappointed he's not going to be there -- and a bit surprised," former skipper Waugh, who played 168 Tests, told AFP.

"This was really shaping up as one the key series of his whole career after he's achieved just about everything. But obviously family comes first."

"It's a bit like a couple of years ago when India won without (David) Warner or (Steve) Smith in the side," he said.

"You really want to win against the best possible opposition, particularly when this is like the heavyweight title fight."

Whereas Irfan Pathan is of the view that people should understand that family is important and there is life beyond cricket. However, he admitted that Kohli not being there with the team will have a huge impact on Team India. Irfan further backed Rohit Sharma to lead the side in the Test series, in the absence of Kohli, as he said that Rohit is a proven leader.&nbsp;

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“Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important.

“On the field, it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions.

“Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience. His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury,” Irfan Pathan told PTI.

India are due leave this week for Australia, where they will spend two weeks in quarantine in Sydney before the first one-day international on November 27.

Australian great Steve Waugh on Tuesday said he was disappointed that Virat Kohli will miss three Tests against Australia to be at the birth of his first child after being granted paternity leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Australian great Steve Waugh on Tuesday said he was disappointed that Virat Kohli will miss three Tests against Australia to be at the birth of his first child after being granted paternity leave by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While Waugh was disappointed by Kohli missing three of the four Tests against Australia, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan said people need to respect Kohli’s decision and appreciate that there is life beyond cricket. The Indian skipper and his Bollywood superstar wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child in January with Kohli returning back to Indian from Australia after the first Test in Adelaide, which commences on December 17. Kohli’s absence has come as a huge blow to broadcasters and cricket authorities are already feeling the effects in a pandemic affected year. ALSO READ: India's tour of Australia: Virat Kohli granted paternity leave, Rohit joins Test squad "I'm a little bit disappointed he's not going to be there -- and a bit surprised," former skipper Waugh, who played 168 Tests, told AFP. "This was really shaping up as one the key series of his whole career after he's achieved just about everything. But obviously family comes first." "It's a bit like a couple of years ago when India won without (David) Warner or (Steve) Smith in the side," he said. "You really want to win against the best possible opposition, particularly when this is like the heavyweight title fight." Whereas Irfan Pathan is of the view that people should understand that family is important and there is life beyond cricket. However, he admitted that Kohli not being there with the team will have a huge impact on Team India. Irfan further backed Rohit Sharma to lead the side in the Test series, in the absence of Kohli, as he said that Rohit is a proven leader. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 FINAL: Delhi Capitals eye maiden title win against four-time champions Mumbai Indians “Virat Kohli not being there will have a huge impact on the team but you have to respect his decision. We have to accept and appreciate life beyond cricket, family is very important. “On the field, it is bound to make a massive difference and it is very tough for anyone to fill his shoes. The way he has performed over the years and in all conditions. “Nothing against Rahane but Rohit has to captain. He is a proven leader and has the required experience. His role as an opener will be equally crucial. He is the guy you want to play in Australia. I remember ODI series in 2008 and he was new but did quite well on Australian pitches. He will be raring to go after the injury,” Irfan Pathan told PTI. India are due leave this week for Australia, where they will spend two weeks in quarantine in Sydney before the first one-day international on November 27.

AUS vs IND: Steve Waugh disappointed with Virat Kohli missing 3 Tests, Irfan Pathan says 'family is important'

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has urged his team to not sledge or get into a war of words with Virat Kohli during upcoming India’s tour of Australia while stating that it might end up giving “extra motivation” not just to the Indian skipper but also to his teammates.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to kick-start on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval followed by Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground and the Gabba. India’s tour of Australia will commence with three-match ODI series on November 27 followed by as many T20Is before the Test series.&nbsp;

<h2>Sledging is not going to worry Virat Kohli: Steve Waugh</h2>

"Sledging is not going to worry Virat Kohli, it doesn't work against the great players and you're better off leaving those guys alone," Waugh said in a video posted by 'ESPNcricinfo'.

"I think any extra motivation will make them dig in more and get more runs. So you're better off not saying much to him."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-jasprit-bumrah-is-the-best-t20-fast-bowler-in-the-world-says-shane-bond-341165" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Shane Bond</a>

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine and his teammates were involved in a heated war of world with Kohli during India’s last tour of Australia as the visitors ended up winning their first-ever Test series Down Under.

However, Australia were without the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner, who were serving a ban for their involvement in a ball-tampering row.&nbsp;

"He (Kohli) is a world-class player, he would wanna be the batsman of the series. Last time, he and Smith came up against each other in India, Smith really dominated with three hundreds and Kohli didn't get many. "That would be at the back of his mind that last time he was outscored by Steve Smith," Waugh said. "So, he will want to score a lot of runs and if he does, India will have a great chance of winning."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-couldve-been-selected-for-australia-tour-virender-sehwag-baffled-over-hitmans-injury-case-341122" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma could've been selected for Australia tour: Virender Sehwag baffled over Hitman's injury case</a>

"He has definitely matured, he was always excitable on the field, maybe a little not in control. But now he is totally in control and he has got the team playing in his mode...," the former batsman said.

"He wants India to prove themselves away from home to justify the number one ranking. He has taken them to a level that may be they didn't get to before," he signed off. 
&nbsp;

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has urged his team to not sledge or get into a war of words with Virat Kohli during upcoming India’s tour of Australia while stating that it might end up giving “extra motivation” not just to the Indian skipper but also to his teammates.

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh has urged his team to not sledge or get into a war of words with Virat Kohli during upcoming India’s tour of Australia while stating that it might end up giving “extra motivation” not just to the Indian skipper but also to his teammates. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to kick-start on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval followed by Tests at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Cricket Ground and the Gabba. India’s tour of Australia will commence with three-match ODI series on November 27 followed by as many T20Is before the Test series. Sledging is not going to worry Virat Kohli: Steve Waugh "Sledging is not going to worry Virat Kohli, it doesn't work against the great players and you're better off leaving those guys alone," Waugh said in a video posted by 'ESPNcricinfo'. "I think any extra motivation will make them dig in more and get more runs. So you're better off not saying much to him." ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Shane Bond Australian Test skipper Tim Paine and his teammates were involved in a heated war of world with Kohli during India’s last tour of Australia as the visitors ended up winning their first-ever Test series Down Under. However, Australia were without the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner, who were serving a ban for their involvement in a ball-tampering row. "He (Kohli) is a world-class player, he would wanna be the batsman of the series. Last time, he and Smith came up against each other in India, Smith really dominated with three hundreds and Kohli didn't get many. "That would be at the back of his mind that last time he was outscored by Steve Smith," Waugh said. "So, he will want to score a lot of runs and if he does, India will have a great chance of winning." ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma could've been selected for Australia tour: Virender Sehwag baffled over Hitman's injury case "He has definitely matured, he was always excitable on the field, maybe a little not in control. But now he is totally in control and he has got the team playing in his mode...," the former batsman said. "He wants India to prove themselves away from home to justify the number one ranking. He has taken them to a level that may be they didn't get to before," he signed off.

Steve Waugh urges Australian players to not sledge Virat Kohli during India's tour of Australia

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AUS vs IND: Steve Waugh disappointed with Virat Kohli missing 3 Tests, Irfan Pathan says 'family is important'

Steve Waugh urges Australian players to not sledge Virat Kohli during India's tour of Australia